A review of educational assessment

This primer reviews the rationale for the emergence of assessment in higher education; various definitions; distinctions between assessment and evaluation; and the levels of assessment. A framework that characterizes the various levels and types of assessments is presented. The published research literature in the American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education ( Journal) regarding assessment activities in pharmacy education from 1990- 2003 is reviewed and placed in context of a framework ( program, curricular, or individual assessment). While there have been over 9,000 publications on assessment in higher education, only slightly more than 100 address pharmacy education, and approximately half of these were published in the Journal. The paper concludes with a discussion about an assessment plan, including an exploration of the need for and value of creating a culture of assessment within an organization.